Fomer Wolfpacker CJ Williams repping team USA in AmeriCup

Former Wolfpack guard/wing CJ Williams has been selected to represent Team USA in the AmeriCup games Aug. 25-Sept. 3.

Williams played for NC State from 2008-2012 under then coach Herb Sendek. As a senior, Williams averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. After college, Williams played some overseas and lately has played a few seasons in the G-League (formally the D-league). Last year he averaged 10.8 ppg, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Peak G-League Williams looks a lot like peak NC State Williams, actually. That strong season has parlayed itself into an invitation to play in the AmeriCup.

Introducing the 2017 USA Men’s AmeriCup Team…#AmeriCup2017 pic.twitter.com/4OMPa63CDv

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 21, 2017

Looking at the roster, you might recognize a few guys as former ACC players, but none of them have any real success in the NBA. So why are they representing Team USA?

The Americans are cautiously entering a whole new basketball world, one in which not only are the best U.S. players not available, but neither are any in the NBA. LeBron James, Kevin Durant and the stars might show up in a few years for the Basketball World Cup and Olympics, but only if a group of minor leaguers can get them there.

It’s all part of FIBA’s new qualifying format and the road starts at the AmeriCup 2017. It’s a tournament the Americans don’t need to win — and aren’t sure they can — but one they have to play to make themselves eligible for the events that will matter. (Daily Messenger)

The AmeriCup will be hosted in Argentina, Colombia, and Uruguay, with the U.S. drawing the Uruguay region. It will play in Group C alongside the host nation, as well as the Dominican Republic and Panama.

The team’s first game comes against Panama next Monday.